U.S. Pilgrimages:
Jubilee Year Pilgrimage to The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
10:00 am – 4:30 pm*
Join your fellow faithful of the Diocese of Allentown on Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 – the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary!
All are invited to enjoy a beautiful day celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope as a Diocese! The Pilgrimage begins at 10:00 am with arrivals and guided tours, followed by time to visit the over 80 chapels and oratories that make up “Mary’s House.” There will also be a youth holy hour in the Crypt Church, keynote speakers (English and Spanish), a Rosary Pilgrimage in five languages with beautiful music by our Diocesan Choir. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available throughout the day. The day will end with Mass in the Great Upper Church at 3:00 pm celebrated by Bishop Schlert.
There is no need to sign up for the Pilgrimage (unless your parish is hosting a chartered bus that requires registration). There is plenty of free parking available. Pilgrims are invited to pack lunch, visit nearby restaurants within walking distance of the Basilica, or visit the cafeteria within the Basilica.
*The Pilgrimage Program runs from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm – but the Basilica is open to the public from 6am to 6pm so feel free come early or stay late!
Each pilgrim will receive an official booklet for the day as well as a complimentary copy of the October edition of the Magnificat.
“Visiting the Basilica is a powerful way to take advantage of the grace of the Jubilee and to be filled with the hope that flows from the embrace of our Mother.” The Most Reverand Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for Military Services & President of the USSCB.
Look under "resources" on the righthand side of the page to download posters for the pilgrimage.
Visit the Basilica’s website here: The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Virtual Tour - National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Other Points of Interest
Saint John Paul II National Shrine
The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America
Watch Fr. Hoffa's Invitation to join the pilgrimage:
Bus Seats to the National Shrine Available as of 9/23/25
St. Joseph the Worker Church, Orefield, PA
Follow the link to register:
https://www.osvhub.com/stjwchurch/forms/pilgrim-bus
Sacred Heart, Palmerton
7-8 seats are available for $40 per person. Bus leaves their parking lot (243 Lafayette Ave, Palmerton, PA) at 6:30am and will return around 10pm. For info call 610-826-2335.
St. John the Baptist Parish, Pottsville
34 spots - $50
Bus leaves at 6:00 am
Please call (570-622-5470) or email ([email protected]) to register.
St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Church, Hellertown
Seats available.
Please call Isabealla LaTassa at 610-838-7045 for details.
St Ignatius of Loyola, Sinking Spring, PA
Berks County
25 open seats.
The cost for St Ignatius is $65 which includes Lunch and tip for the driver.
Bus leaves church parking lot @ 6:00am
Depart shrine by 4:30pm, stop along the way for dinner (on your own).
Please contact Jake (& Gina) 484-832-1791 or (484-794-2803)
Magnificat Group Orders
For any attendee at the Pilgrimage who received the October Issue of Magnificat, a special offer is available: a 3-month trial subscription to Magnificat in English or Spanish for just $10. Orders processed in October will begin with the December issue. Individual print subscriptions include instant access to the digital content of Magnificat online and via the Magnificat App.
Follow the link below if you are interested in coordinating a group order at cost-saving bulk prices beginning with only 10 subscriptions.
Local Pilgrimages:
The First Diocesan Pilgrimage to a Local Shrine:
Click here for pictures from the Diocesan Pilgrimage in Spanish to The National Centre for Padre Pio, September 2024.
This year's Diocesan pilgrimages were a success, offering spiritual nourishment to various groups in our Diocese: High School students, English speakers, and Spanish speakers.
Future Plans for Diocesan Pilgrimages:
Come back soon for more information on upcoming pilgrimage opportunities.
Contact the Diocesan Pilgrimages Committee:
Phone: 610-921-2729, ext. 2205
Email: [email protected]
Membership:
Chair: Rev. Allen J. Hoffa
Tricia Christ
Ana Hidalgo
Fr. Philip Maas
Anne Malinowski
Fr. Keith Mathur
Msgr. Tom Orsulak
Maggie Riggins
Mary Ellen Strohl
Sr. Matilda
Fr. Guiseppi Esposito
